Holmes Murphy, a Waukee-based insurance brokerage, has announced more than $140,000 in philanthropic grants to 21 nonprofits through its employee-driven Community Footprints Program, with Cedar Rapids’ Retrieving Freedom among this year’s recipients.
The grants will be distributed through the Holmes Murphy Foundation.
The total represents a more than 10% increase over the prior year’s contributions. Since the program launched in 2020, the company has distributed more than $800,000 to more than 160 nonprofits across its geographic footprint.
Retrieving Freedom, a Cedar Rapids organization that trains service dogs for veterans and individuals with disabilities, was the sole Cedar Rapids recipient.
In Des Moines, three organizations received support: Building BrAve Teams, Children Family Urban Movement and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.
The program allows employees to nominate 501(c)(3) organizations in their local communities that align with the foundation’s giving pillars — Safety, Health, and Wellbeing; Youth Opportunities; Arts & Culture; and its Uniquely United program. Other grant recipients this year spanned locations including Bigfork, Mont.; Dallas; Denver; Grand Cayman; Kansas City; Madison, Wis.; Minneapolis; Omaha; Peoria, Ill.; Salt Lake City; Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Sioux Falls, S.D.
Tom Stewart, Holmes Murphy PLUS president and foundation co-executive leader, said the program reflects values instilled by the company’s founders.
“Giving back in the places we live, work, and spend our time has been woven into Holmes Murphy from the very beginning,” Mr. Stewart said. “Our founders, Max Holmes and Ray Murphy, set that standard, and as we mark our 94th year, I know they’d be proud to see it thriving today.”
Susan Hatten, Holmes Murphy chief marketing officer and foundation co-executive leader, credited employees for driving the program’s reach.
“We have so much to celebrate in the way our employees show up for our communities,” Ms. Hatten said. “The dedication they bring — sharing their time, talents, and generosity to create real impact — is truly inspiring.”
Beyond the Community Footprints Program, Holmes Murphy reported that in the prior year its foundation supported 473 nonprofits, with employees logging more than 54,000 volunteer hours — a 125% increase in volunteerism. The company also distributed more than $1.79 million in direct giving funds and increased its employee match program by 25%, allowing employees to double their contributions to a nonprofit of their choice up to $250 annually.
